The mosque was built to honor the memory of the Sultan's mother, Rabia Şermi Sultan.
It underwent a significant restoration in 1969 to preserve its original Baroque decorative elements.
The structure is part of a larger complex, or külliye, that historically included a fountain and public buildings.
The mosque's minaret stands on a separate base from the main prayer hall, a common feature in some Ottoman Baroque mosques.
The site was historically part of a larger garden area gifted to the Emir-i Gûne Han by Murad IV, which gave the neighborhood its name.
The Emirgan Mosque, also known as the Emirgan Hamid-i Evvel Mosque, is a prominent 18th-century Ottoman structure located on the European shores of the Bosphorus. Commissioned by Sultan Abdul Hamid I in 1781, the mosque replaced an earlier structure and serves as a centerpiece of the historic Emirgan neighborhood. The architecture reflects the Turkish Baroque style, which was highly fashionable during the late Ottoman period. Its design features a distinctive square floor plan and a single minaret. The interior is decorated with refined tile work and elegant calligraphy characteristic of 18th-century craftsmanship. The mosque is situated near the waterfront, integrated into the traditional urban fabric of the Sarıyer district. It remains an active place of worship serving the local community.
From the waterfront promenade looking back towards the mosque’s facade to capture both the architecture and the Bosphorus in the background.
Combine your visit with a walk through the nearby Emirgan Park, famous for its annual tulip festival.
Visit during the shoulder seasons to avoid the heavy traffic typical of the Bosphorus coastal road.
Respect prayer times, as the building remains an active religious site for locals.
Do not attempt to enter the main prayer hall during the five daily congregational prayer sessions.
Visitors should dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered; women should bring a headscarf. Remove shoes before entering the carpeted prayer area. Maintain silence and avoid walking in front of those praying.
